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UN Security Council supports Somalia's upcoming election

Members of the UN Security Council will travel to Somalia this month to show their support for the country’s upcoming general elections.

The 15-member body will also help ensure that the electoral process planned for August 2016 will happen without hitches.

Previously, the council had underlined that a peaceful, transparent and inclusive electoral process will mark a historic step forward for the war torn country.

The upcoming polls will be Somalia’s second since 1991. The last elections were carried out in 2012. The vote will be fundamental for the nation’s continued progress towards democracy and stability.

The Council commended the Federal Government’s commitment to reserve 30 per cent of seats in parliament for women.

Earlier in the year, Somalia’s model for the electoral process was lauded by several international bodies.

This model paves the way to a timely transition at the expiry of the current institution’s term.

The 2016 electoral process involves the formation of both the Lower House – 275 seats and the Upper House of Parliament – 54 members. The parliament will have representation based on balance between constituency and clan.